Ramen Matsuri: A Flavourful Stop at Sunway Pyramid
I spent a day at Sunway Pyramid recently, catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen in ages. The mall is huge, and after an hour of wandering through shops, skating past the ice rink, and dodging the weekend crowd, we were both starving. We debated our options (there’s everything from fast food to fancy dining here, as Yahoo Style’s guide to Sunway Pyramid proves), but in the end, the call of ramen was too strong.
That’s how we ended up at Ramen Matsuri, a cosy spot tucked away on the lower ground floor. I hadn’t heard much about it before, but the menu outside—with photos of steaming bowls of noodles—was convincing. Sometimes, the best discoveries happen by chance.
First Impressions
Walking in, the warm and casual vibe instantly hit us. It wasn’t too loud, which felt like a relief after the bustling mall. The aroma from the open kitchen promised good things, and I couldn’t help but feel excited.
What We Tried
We went with three different bowls to share—because why stop at one?
-
Torikoku Special Ramen – My pick of the day. The broth was creamy and savoury without being heavy, the noodles had a good bite, and the chicken charsiew was soft and tender. The highlight? That perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg with its golden, slightly runny center. Pure comfort.
-
Black Garlic Ramen – My friend went bold with this one. The roasted garlic aroma filled the table before we even dug in. The broth had a smoky, rich flavour that kept us going back for more. Honestly, I had to fight for extra spoonfuls.
-
Dry Sambal Ramen – Out of curiosity, we ordered this Malaysian-inspired bowl too. The sambal added a nice heat, blending surprisingly well with the noodles. It was playful, local, and different from the usual ramen options.
On the side, we couldn’t resist gyoza and karaage. The gyoza was crisp at the bottom and juicy inside, while the karaage was golden, crunchy, and addictive.
The Experience
The portions at Ramen Matsuri are generous but balanced—you leave full, not sluggish. Presentation was neat, too. My friend slurped down the Black Garlic broth so quickly that I barely had time to steal another sip. That’s usually a sign of a solid ramen.
The only hiccup was that service slowed down when the dinner crowd arrived. But the staff were cheerful and apologetic, so the wait wasn’t too bad. For a mall restaurant, that kind of hospitality really stands out.
Why I’d Recommend Ramen Matsuri
I’ve tried quite a few ramen shops across the Klang Valley, but what I like about Ramen Matsuri is its balance of comfort and creativity. It doesn’t try too hard—it just delivers good bowls of ramen that hit the spot. The sambal version adds a fun Malaysian touch, but the classics like Torikoku and Black Garlic are the real winners.
Food blogs like Froggy’s Bits of Life have also highlighted those exact bowls, which makes me feel like I picked the right ones. And according to Petaling Jaya Recommends Ramen Matsuri has quietly become a local favourite.
If you’re curious about ramen in general, it’s worth remembering that this Japanese noodle dish has become a global icon. But remember, each region and chef adds their own spin—which is exactly what Matsuri has done with sambal ramen.
Tips Before You Go
-
Visit a little before or after peak hours to avoid the wait.
-
Try the Torikoku broth if you want a safe, classic option.
-
The Black Garlic Ramen is for adventurous taste buds.
-
Don’t skip the sides—the gyoza and karaage are worth it.
Final Thoughts
That dinner at Ramen Matsuri turned into one of those perfect evenings where conversation, food, and atmosphere all came together. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-star ramen bar, but it nails the essentials: good broth, springy noodles, and a friendly setting.
Would I go back? Definitely. The Torikoku Special is already calling me back, and next time, I’m tempted to try the curry dry ramen. For me, Ramen Matsuri proves yet again that some of the best ramen in Malaysia can be found in the most unexpected corners of a busy shopping mall.
Happy Slurping,
Emily
Comments
Post a Comment